Shaped in PSG’s academy: Gharbi in focus
Flexible and creative in attack
First Team
06.09.2025, 12:00
On Deadline Day, FC Augsburg secured the signing of Ismaël Gharbi, a skilful and dynamic attacker. The 21-year-old joined on loan from Portuguese top-flight club SC Braga and brings technique, pace and international experience with him to Augsburg.
Born in Paris, Gharbi began his footballing journey with Paris FC before moving to the Paris Saint-Germain academy in 2016. He made his professional debut on 19th May 2021 in the Coupe de France against Montpellier, becoming one of the first players from his 2004 age group to appear for PSG’s senior team. Shortly afterwards, at just 17, he signed his first professional contract with the club. His first senior goal came on 2nd January 2022 in a cup tie against Vannes OC.
From a young age, Gharbi trained and played alongside world stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, which quickly saw him attract attention from leading English clubs. In pursuit of regular game time, however, he opted for a loan to Swiss side Stade Lausanne-Ouchy – a major coup for the newly promoted club. He immediately impressed in the Super League, scoring six goals and providing six assists, quickly establishing himself as a key player and drawing interest from SC Braga. A year later he made the move to Portugal, where he featured in 23 league games (4 goals, 4 assists) and added seven appearances in the Europa League.
Standing at 1.73m, Gharbi combines agility and dynamism in attack. He is most comfortable on the left wing, but can also operate as an attacking midfielder or on the right-hand side. FCA sporting director Benni Weber, who knows Gharbi from his time in Paris, commented: “His ability in one-on-one situations and his versatility will have a big impact on our game.” Gharbi himself is also looking forward to his time in Augsburg: “I’m really excited to play in the Bundesliga and I want to lead on the pitch with my mentality and creativity.”
International experience with Tunisia
Gharbi has also gained valuable experience on the international stage. At youth level he represented both France U18s and Spain’s U18s and U19s, before deciding to play for the Tunisian national team – his father is Spanish and his mother Tunisian. He is currently part of the Tunisia squad alongside his FCA teammate Elias Saad, and was involved in their recent 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Liberia.
Gharbi will wear the number 11 shirt for FCA. His unveiling came via the club’s social media channels, with a special video in the style of EA SPORTS FC’s career mode – combining real-life footage with virtual sequences to show fans his contract signing.
